Meo Sultan A, Al-Drees Abdul Majeed
Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2005;18(3):259-64.
Flour dust occurs across the range of food industries; its exposure may induce acute or chronic respiratory ailments. The objective of the study was to assess the effects of flour dust on the lung function.
The lung function was studied in forty-six male flour mill workers and a similar number of male control subjects; all participants were non-smokers with the age range from 18 to 65 years. The subjects were matched for age, height, weight and socioeconomic status. The pulmonary function test was performed by using an electronic spirometer (Compact Vitalograph, UK) and results were compared by a paired t-test.
Significant reduction in the overall mean values of FVC, FEV1, PEF, and MW were observed in wheat flour mill workers relative to their matched controls.
Based on the results of the present study, we conclude that the flour mill workers in Pakistan, like grain workers elsewhere, are at an increased risk of developing occupationally related pulmonary function impairments. The results suggest that there is an urgent need to improve dust control measures and the health status of flour mill workers.
面粉粉尘在各类食品工业中均有出现；接触面粉粉尘可能引发急慢性呼吸道疾病。本研究的目的是评估面粉粉尘对肺功能的影响。
对46名男性面粉厂工人以及数量相近的男性对照受试者的肺功能进行了研究；所有参与者均为非吸烟者，年龄在18至65岁之间。受试者在年龄、身高、体重和社会经济地位方面进行了匹配。使用电子肺活量计（英国紧凑型肺活量计）进行肺功能测试，并通过配对t检验比较结果。
与匹配的对照组相比，小麦面粉厂工人的FVC、FEV1、PEF和MW的总体平均值显著降低。
基于本研究结果，我们得出结论，巴基斯坦的面粉厂工人与其他地方的谷物工人一样，职业性肺功能受损的风险增加。结果表明，迫切需要改善粉尘控制措施以及面粉厂工人的健康状况。
